PC Cookson was arrested in November, but was only charged last week, South Yorkshire Police said.

The force, which is facing criticism over its handling of child sexual exploitation cases, did not announce that the officer had been charged at the time, but issued a statement confirming that Pc Cookson had appeared in court.

A statement issued by the force said: "A South Yorkshire Police PC has been charged with causing a 15-year-old girl to engage in sexual activity. Daniel Cookson, 27, who was previously based in Rotherham, was charged with the offence on Thursday 21 August.